ILOILO — Amid growing reliance on unregulated motorcycle taxis, locally known as angkas, 5th District Provincial Board member Rolex Suplico has thrown his support behind legalizing their operations — provided they serve the public interest.
Suplico, a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s Committee on Transportation, Communication, and Public Utilities, said he is open to municipal ordinances that would legitimize motorcycles-for-hire, especially in far-flung areas where traditional public transport options remain limited.
“Common ina sa 5th District,” Suplico said in a phone interview, noting that the practice of hiring motorcycles for transport has long been part of daily life in the province.
“‘Common carriers’ ang technical term sa law. Amo lang na pwede magkuha pasahero and charge fees. However, all of this should take note of public interest. I understand there is an ordinance somewhere in Palawan being used as basis for motorcycles to operate and accept passengers for business,” he added.
Suplico underscored that the primary basis should be the service’s benefit to the commuting public.
“Diin bala nasanding ang public interest? Kon ang public interest pabor sa mga pasahero, then I will support any ordinance coming up, despite the fact that LTO (Land Transportation Office) is not supportive,” he said.
“In towns and barangays in the 5th District, motorcycle-for-hire is common. It is normal for someone to get the services of a single motorcycle and pay for the same to bring him to his remote barangay residence. Bottom line: Public interest. If it is in favor of public interest, my answer is yes,” he emphasized.
According to Suplico, some vice mayors (presiding offers of their respective sangguniang bayan) in the 5th District are already drafting ordinances to formally allow motorcycle taxis at the municipal level.
“I think I’m going to say yes to any ordinance providing for the operation of single motorcycles-for-hire. It is already a reality. We cannot close our eyes to the development of the fact that motorcycles have become the poor man’s taxi,” he said.
Motorcycle taxis, without clear regulatory oversight, are technically illegal or colorum under national law. Despite that, they have become an essential part of the informal transport economy, especially for commuters needing quick, low-cost travel, and for riders seeking livelihood opportunities. Their drivers say they earn between P800 and P2,000 a day, with the sector supporting working students and jobless individuals alike.
LTO Region 6 director Atty. Gaudioso Geduspan II stated: “In enforcement, they are illegal. They are colorum. They can face penalties. There is no law and authority granting them a franchise.”
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region 6 echoed the same stance. “We have no enforcement authority over two-wheelers. That’s beyond our control,” said officer-in-charge Atty. Ma. Joscet Abellar in a May interview.
While pilot testing for motorcycle taxi regulations has been conducted in Metro Manila and Cebu, no such initiative has reached Iloilo — leaving local officials and communities grappling with a public need that continues to outpace national policy./PN
